Chapter 2 – This Fool's in Love

Derek followed Addison into the empty conference room, dreading but also anticipating this talk. He knew he had to tell her.

"Addison, I wanted to-"

"Derek, I think-"

He stopped. "You go ahead."

Addison sighed. "Derek I think this talk is long overdue. I know something happened last night between you and Meredith."

"Addison, I have to tell you-"

"No. No Derek, you don't. You don't get to tell me that you're sorry. Or, more likely, that you're not sorry. I don't want to know what happened, but I think it's time for us to face reality."

"Meaning what, exactly?"

"Meaning I'm not happy with you and you're not happy with me. I know you want to be with Meredith, and I can't try to compete anymore. I gave it a shot, and I know I'll be happier with Mark. I think we both realize that we want to be with other people."

Derek looked at her. "So you want a divorce?"

"I do, and you do. This marriage was over years ago Derek. I don't know why we insisted on holding on as long as we did."

"You're right. Everything you just said is right." Derek watched her face as he said this. "So are you going back to New York?"

"I think so. It was a mistake for me to come out here. I'm going be with Mark, and you, you should go to Meredith."

At this, Derek shook his head. "I really messed things up. She's not going to want to be with me."

Addison blew out a disgusted breath, shaking her head at his cluelessness. "She loves you Derek. She loves you and will forgive you. If she doesn't now, she will eventually. Just give it time. I'm going to have my lawyer fax you the divorce papers. I think we should get this done as soon as possible."

"Yes. Yes we should. Do you really think she will forgive me?" he said hopefully.

"She will Derek. Eventually. Give her time, but not space. Remind her that you're here, and you're not going away." She kissed him chastely on the cheek. "Good-bye," she whispered.

Again, Derek stands and watches as she walks away, her lab coat flying out behind her. He is suddenly overcome with a sense of euphoria mixed with relief. It's over. It's finally over.

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Chapter 3 coming soon